DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
 

 
MISSION STATEMENT
 
The academic programs in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) at Murray State University provide a comprehensive broad based
educational background to prepare practical-oriented and academically sound
graduates for entry-level and advanced positions in the safety, health and
environmental profession.  The degree programs provide the technical and
professional knowledge required by individuals pursuing careers in safety
management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, loss/risk control management,
ergonomics, emergency planning and response, and environmental health and safety.
Our graduates are academically prepared to pursue advanced degrees in higher
education.  Our mission and purpose include:
 
- a core value of the OSH Department is teaching excellence to provide quality
   education that prepares the very best graduates possible to serve in the challenging
   roles of safety, health and environmental professionals.
- the OSH Department places a high premium on academic outreach, collaborative
   relationships with business and industry, government agencies and other universities
   at home and abroad.
- the OSH Department emphasizes student-centered learning and educational
   experiences that include internships, co-ops, study- abroad programs, service
   learning, research and creative projects, and professional organizations that enhance
   and strengthen their academic preparation.
- the OSH Department prepares graduates to function in a culturally diverse,
   technologically orientated society and increasingly interdependent world.
- the OSH Department conducts research to contribute to the scientific safety, health
   and environmental community.
- the OSH Department assists the College of Health Sciences and Human Services and
   the University at large in achieving their missions.
 
 
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
 
The objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health undergraduate and graduate programs
at Murray State University are to prepare graduates who:
 
- apply a broad educational background in mathematics, science, technology, and
   management as Occupational Safety and Health Professionals in state, regional,
   national or international levels in industry, government, or academia.
- are critical thinkers and anticipate, identify and evaluate hazardous conditions and
   practices, and implement effective hazard control strategies in such areas as accident
   prevention, safety management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, loss/risk control
   management, ergonomics, emergency planning and response, and environmental health
   and safety.
- are effective communicators and ethical leaders within the Occupational Safety and
   Health profession.
- pursue life-long learning to effectively practice within a rapidly evolving, continually
   changing, and increasingly diverse global environment.
 
 
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
 
Baccalaureate and Master of Science degree students graduating from the Occupational Safety
and Health programs at Murray State University will demonstrate the following:
 
- ability to apply basic mathematical and scientific knowledge in the safety and health field.
- ability to analyze and interpret data pertinent to the safety and health field, and to design
   and conduct experiments..
- ability to anticipate, identify, and evaluate hazardous conditions and practices, and to
   identify and solve applied science problems.
- ability to develop and implement hazard control methods, procedures, programs, and
   system designs.
- ability to function as a part of multi-disciplinary teams.
- understanding of ethical behaviors and professional responsibility.
- ability to express thoughts effectively in oral and written communications.
- broad education necessary to understand safety and health issues within a global and
   social context.
- recognition of the need for continuous life-long learning in chosen professional career.
- knowledge of current safety and health issues.
- ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and   technical tools necessary for
   professional practice and to demonstrate mastery of the field of safety and health.